Departure time

Hi, it's Tim.

Monday was the last day of the Africa EUnite Youth Exchange. We already talk a lot about the project in the last post, and especially about the Bergolo Fest. But I don’t care, I want to write some last words about this wonderful project.

First of all, Bergolo Fest was a great success thanks to the participants. They had the occasion to promote the richness of Africa through different workshops: face-painting activities, History and Geography, stories of migration (powerful moment for people who listened to it but also for participants themselves who never had the occasion to talk about it before and were grateful to do it), tales and legends of Africa (with a wonderful handmaid puppet show!) and also a huge work of the food workshops that sell African food during the fest.

I wanted to highlight one last time all these workshops to mention the huge work that was done. Because all these really good workshops were made by the candidates themselves in just a few time. We were really impressed by their investment and the good atmosphere they create all around Bergolo during these 10 days. We succeed to collect 1000 euros of donations for Mediterranea and Open arms: two associations that work to rescue migrants in the sea (https://tg24.sky.it/mondo/approfondimenti/proactiva-open-arms-cosa-e, https://www.facebook.com/mediterraneapescara/)

But beyond that, the local population of Alta Langa really appreciates their presence during the fest: their attitude, their smile, and their way to interact with people in general. And personally, I want to say a big thank you to all the participants and the team of this Youth Exchange. I really enjoyed this experience and I got a lot from all of you during these 10 days.

And now… is time for a crossover episoooooode!!!

Raul and his friend went on holiday this week to Pescara. It was the occasion to visit our favorite ex-coordinator Flavio. I’m pretty sure that they spend a really good time there! We missed so much our Paco: it was obvious that one of us would visit him one day or another in Pescara.

In general, everyone decide to leave Bergolo this week (or to get sick, but we will not talk about it). Mili went for permaculture training in France.

And we are also sad to say goodbye to our wonderful cook Davide. We really appreciate his work and wish him good luck with his future projects! It was also time to say goodbye to Emil who goes in terms of his volunteering with us. We also appreciate his presence with us and wish him the best. Before living, he wrote a testimonial of his experience with us and we all hope that he gets a lot of his time here in Bergolo (Here is the link to read his testimonial: https://www.facebook.com/AssociazioneVagamondo/posts/pfbid09eHtbcCCy9MPwu9MkhpvDXxHwxK5GnEt1LYMq5uVaPq7mq7RUdMsiakQ5FW33qprl)

The departure of Bergolo season 1, episode 3: Mia went to Roma to represent Vagamondo for a meeting organized by the Italian National Agency. Ambassador of Vagamondo, what an honor! I’m pretty sure that she’s proud of it and she enjoyed the experience in the capital.

With the departure of Mili, Raul, Mia, and Covid Sefa we were only 3 volunteers at the end of the week. Personally, I felt the arrival of autumn with this calm, cooler atmosphere and slower life after our crazy summer. Personally, I enjoyed this crazy summer time but I have to say that I also enjoyed this opportunity to slow down a bit this week. We manage to have a good time with Sophie and Angie.

Well, don’t worry, we also worked this week. Sophie, Bryan, and Sofia went to Cascina Crocetta Monday. I join the Cascina team on Thursday.

Thursday was quite an emotional moment because it was the last time for Sofia in Cascina Crocetta before her departure Saturday. We really appreciate her help and her presence here in Bergolo. In order to say a proper goodbye, we went all together to the restaurant in Cortemilia Friday night. Goodbye Sofia! We wish you good luck for this next year and you will always find a place for you in Bergolo!

Well… that was the original plan. But we had a twist in the last episode of our departure serie: Sofia didn’t manage to get back home and will stay a little bit more in Bergolo until the end of the month. During this week, I saw how easy it was to leave Bergolo but, finally, the magical aura of this place make people come back. And Sunday night we also welcomed two new short terms volunteers but I will leave this for the next episode...